PARIS — School Administrative District 17 directors voted Monday evening to allow the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School varsity baseball team to miss three days of school to play in a preseason tournament in North Carolina next spring. The vote was 11-4.

The majority agreed to send the hand-selected team to North Carolina from April 6-8, 2016, to compete in the tournament. The request, from coaches Shane Slicer and Joe Oufiero, was recommended by Principal Ted Moccia, who said it would be “a great experience” for the athletes. The coaches said it will provide the players with a “richer preseason experience” during a time when Maine can experience canceled games because of snow.

But some directors challenged the request.

“I see no educational benefit from this,” Lewis Williams said.

Director Elizabeth Swift also asked about the educational benefit of the trip.

Don Gouin said he hoped his colleagues would not overlook the educational opportunity for many who have never traveled far and met people from other areas of the country.

“Be careful we don’t overlook the fact that this is a tremendous educational opportunity . . . They’ll remember (the trip) for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Director Barry Patrie said the students can increase their skills and, more importantly, gain cultural insight because of the trip.

Newly elected Director Bob Jewell said athletics is an important part of education, teaching students about teamwork and other virtues, but the school and coaches must be accountable for the success of the teams.

“Winning is not everything but winning is important,” he said. Jewell asked that coaches be held accountable for their success rates.

The students will raise the money necessary for travel, lodging and other costs.

Varsity baseball staff will choose the athletes, who will be responsible for any missed schoolwork. It is hoped that more tournaments will be found closer to home, the coaches said.

Directors must approve out-of-state student trips.

In other news, Ron Kugell was unanimously re-elected chairman of the board and Don Ware, vice chairman.

The board unanimously approved appointments, including a second-grade and fourth-grade teacher at Oxford Elementary School, a first-grade teacher at Paris Elementary School and two prekindergarten teachers, one at Paris and one at Rowe Elementary School.

The board agreed to create a teaching position at the Oxford Elementary School to address anticipated enrollment. The position will be paid for by fiscal 2016 contingency funds, but will only be filled if necessary, once final class numbers are known for the new school year.

Superintendent Rick Colpitts presented the district’s goals for the coming year, including objectives relating to students, staff, community and finances. The goals are part of the five-year Strategic Plan approved this year.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net

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